ZAPU Notifies Police of Planned Protest Against Constitution Amendment No. 3

By Southerton Business Times | Harare

The opposition Zimbabwe African People's Union (ZAPU) has formally notified the Zimbabwe Republic Police (ZRP) of its intention to hold a peaceful public gathering in Harare on 31 July 2026 to protest against the recently enacted Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act, 2026. According to a notification letter dated 24 July 2026 and addressed to the Regulating Authority for the Harare Central Police District, the demonstration is scheduled to take place at Africa Unity Square from 10:00 am to 1:00 pm.

The notification was signed by ZAPU Secretary-General Mthulisi Hanana and Vice-President Derek Katsenga, who said the gathering would be peaceful and conducted in accordance with Zimbabwean law.

"The purpose of the gathering is to express opposition to the recent passing of the Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act by the Legislature and its promulgation by the Executive," the letter states.

In the notification, ZAPU argues that the constitutional changes should have been subjected to a national referendum before becoming law.

"The basis of ZAPU's opposition is that the amendments ought to have, in the view of ZAPU, first been submitted to a referendum in terms of Section 328 of the Constitution and that the amendments undermine rights enshrined in the Constitution of Zimbabwe, including Section 67, which enshrines political rights as fundamental rights," the party said.

The Constitution of Zimbabwe Amendment (No. 3) Act was approved by Parliament in June 2026 before receiving presidential assent from President Emmerson Mnangagwa on 7 July 2026. The legislation introduces several significant changes to the 2013 Constitution, making it one of the most extensive constitutional amendments since the supreme law was adopted following the 2013 referendum.

The planned protest comes amid growing opposition to the constitutional amendments from sections of civil society, opposition political parties, churches and some war veterans' organisations. Several groups have called for peaceful demonstrations on 31 July, arguing that the amendments weaken constitutional safeguards and democratic governance. Supporters of the legislation, however, have defended it as a lawful exercise of Parliament's constitutional mandate. Meanwhile, South African political figure Jacinta Ngobese-Zuma, leader of the March and March Movement, has publicly expressed support for the planned demonstrations.

Under the Maintenance of Peace and Order Act (MOPA), organisers of public gatherings are required to notify the police in advance. The notification process does not, by itself, amount to seeking permission, although police may impose conditions where they believe there are legitimate public safety or security concerns.

As of Saturday, 25 July 2026, the Zimbabwe Republic Police had not publicly indicated whether any conditions would be attached to the planned gathering or whether there would be any restrictions on the event. Authorities have previously urged organisers and participants in public demonstrations to conduct themselves peacefully and comply with the country's laws.

ZAPU protest Constitution Amendment No. 3